Sacred Harp traditions in Texas
Hardaway, Lisa Carol
Master of Music
Sacred Harp singing has been a tradition in American music for almost two hundred years. Studies of this practice are important since the older singers who are our vital links to the past are rapidly disappearing. The Sacred Harp tradition is largely undocumented in Texas. Primary sources of information for this study include minutes of Texas Sacred Harp organizations, interviews, questionnaires and correspondence with singers. In addition, the five Texas singings that were observed have been tape rercorded and photographed for this study. The resulting study shows that Sacred Harp music has increased in importance since a low point a dozen years ago. It is kept alive through regular singings and through singing schools. Certain families have also played a crucial role in its maintenance. Although the social makeup of the singers appears to be changing, the practice itself seems as if it will survive.